ISLAMABAD: Expressing profound grief and sorrow over the demise of Dr. Safdar Mahmood, former federal secretary and renowned historian, in Lahore last night, Professor Khurshid Ahmad, former senator and Patron-in-Chief of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad termed the departure of Mahmood a national loss.

In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, Professor Khurshid Ahmed stated that Mahmood, who also remained a member of the Institute’s National Academic Council (NAC), was especially known for his intellectual and scholarly insights and his published works were often cited and referred to by researchers of both local and foreign origins. His departure has left behind an intellectual vacuum that is not easy to fill whereas his contributions both in civil services and intellectual domain will always be remembered in golden words.

Professor Khurshid Ahmed extended deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, praying that may the Almighty rests the departed soul in the highest ranks of Jannah.

ISLAMABAD: Federal cabinet at its meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Tuesday decided to introduce comprehensive reforms in the criminal justice system.

Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Dr. Muhammad Farogh Naseem gave a detailed briefing to the meeting about the proposed criminal law reforms.

Briefing the media about the decisions taken in the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Minister for Information Minister Chaudhary Fawad Hussain said these reforms will change the entire system of criminal justice and address matters relating to delay in trials and registration of FIRs.

The Information Minister said that improving the justice system is on the agenda of Prime Minister Imran Khan. He said this matter will now be discussed in the Cabinet Committee on law and then these reforms will be enforced.

The cabinet rejected the proposal to give ten percent adhoc relief in basic salaries to the Chairman Senate, the Deputy Chairman Senate, the Speaker National Assembly, the Deputy Speaker and other parliamentarians.

Chaudhary Fawad Hussain said this decision is in line with the government’s austerity drive.

During the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his resentment over delay in procurement of wheat. He directed the provinces including Punjab to take steps for the release of wheat stocks.

Chaudhary Fawad Hussain was confident that the prices of wheat flour will gradually come down in the wake of issuance of wheat release schedule by Punjab.

The cabinet was informed that 5G will be launched in the country next year and several companies are showing interest in it.

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to ensure quality telecom services in every nook and corner of the country.

Alluding to the cyber-attack on the website of FBR, the Information Minister said that inquiry has revealed that most of the data remained safe. He said the FBR has now hired a company for protection of data.

He said the Ministry of Information Technology informed the cabinet that one million attacks have so far been carried out on our websites this year, which were foiled by the NTC. He said Pakistan has a comprehensive framework for cyber security which is further being strengthened.

On the proposal of tariff policy board, the cabinet approved reduction in additional customs duty on auto parts from seven to two percent to promote indigenous production of vehicles. He said additional customs duty on heavy commercial vehicles has also been reduced from seven to two percent.

The cabinet approved the proposed Quaid-e-Azam Foundation Act for the establishment of Quaid-e-Azam Foundation.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Privatization, Muhammad Mian Soomro called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Tuesday.

He briefed the Prime Minister on the current state of privatization of National Power Parks Management Company Limited, Jinnah Convention Centre and Services International Hotel Lahore.

The Prime Minister was also apprised about the encouraging results of the ongoing road shows to attract foreign investors for revival of Pakistan Steel Mills. Imran Khan directed to take all necessary steps to ensure transparency in the privatization process.

Islamabad: Hot and dry weather is expected in most plain areas of the country during the next twelve hours.

However, rain-wind, thundershower is expected at isolated places in lower Sindh, Kashmir and its adjoining areas.

Temperature of some major cities recorded on Tuesday morning as Islamabad twenty-four degree centigrade, Lahore twenty-six, Karachi twenty-nine, Peshawar twenty-eight, Quetta nineteen, Gilgit fourteen, Murree sixteen and Muzaffarabad twenty-one degree centigrade.

According to Met Office forecast for Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, partly cloudy weather with chances of rain-wind thundershower is expected in Jammu and Anantnag while partly cloudy/ Dry weather in Srinagar, Leh, Pulwama, Shopian and Baramula.

Temperature recorded this morning as Srinagar, Pulwama and Baramulla fifteen, Jammu twenty-four, Leh eight, Shopian and Anantnag fourteen degree centigrade.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for planning and development works and NCOC head Asad Umar has said that despite decreasing covid-19 cases, government aims to put more sanctions on unvaccinated people.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday along with Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, NCOC Chief said that unvaccinated people may become a danger for others. Ratio of covid-19 positivity is decreasing gradually and fourth wave is getting less effective, the minister added.

He said that fourth wave of covid-19 will continue to lose its intensity during coming 15 days which will ease pressure on hospitals. Less corona cases have been reported during past few days but the danger stills looms, he warned.

Asad Umar said that after attaining estimated vaccination target, government plans to soften Covid-19 restrictions at the end of September.

He further announced that educational institutions will also be reopened from September 16 in those areas where government lifts Covid-19 restrictions. Inter-city bus services will also be allowed with 50 percent capacity, the minister said.

Talking about expected intensified restrictions on unvaccinated people, Asad Umar said that they will be barred from performing their duties in educational institutions, as well as travelling by air. They will also be banned from entering shopping malls and markets, minister warned.

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz (FM) while announcing to afford cash subsidy on atta, ghee, sugar and pulses has said wheat release price has been reduced to Rs 1900 and the prices of atta will decline remarkably within a few days.

He announced to provide subsidy while addressing a press conference here along with other federal ministers Tuesday.

Expressing concern over rise in vegetables prices he said that all from farmer to retailer are determining the prices. Ehsaas program data has reached under which we will provide targeted subsidy in the current month. Earlier we were affording subsidy on gas and electricity. Now we will give subsidy on atta, ghee, sugar and pulses. The atta prices will witness fall in the coming few days.

He went on to say the national economy is improving. The rupee value decreased for approaching IMF on our part.

After upswing in the prices of potato, tomato, onion and other edibles at local level we will have to review whether we have to export the vegetables or otherwise which are selling at higher cost in the markets. We have become linked to the international prices.

He underlined we will have to review how much cultivator of the vegetables and retailers get benefit. Surely this benefit is enormous.

The farmer does not earn profit equal to retailer. We are carrying out scientific engineering to make this process transparent.

We will have to conduct study of all the processes from cultivation to sale in the market that what percentage of profit is being earned by those involved in the process individually.

The prices of commodities have scaled up all over the world due to corona virus, he held. The supply of goods has been affected due to coronavirus and it has left negative impact.

Not only in Pakistan but all over the world the inflation has accelerated, he pointed out. We will have to increase production to stabilize the prices, he said adding sugar prices have risen to 430 dollar per ton in international market.

Islamabad: Iran and Pakistan have great scope to enhance trade relations and Pakistan should consider setting up digital markets with Iran to boost bilateral trade up to the potential of both countries. This was stated by H.E. Syed Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Ambassador of Iran while interacting with the business community during his visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry along with Ms. Qadyanlo Commercial Attaché and Ms. Beheshti Secretary. He said that Iran-Pakistan bilateral trade was around USD 1.5 billion before Covid-19, which has now come down to less than USD 1 billion. He said that foreign sanctions on Iran were a problem for trade promotion, therefore, establishment of Pak-Iran digital markets and joint border markets could be the better options to improve two-way trade volume. He said that Iran and Pakistan have agreed to set up 3 border crossing points that would help increase bilateral trade. However, he said that facilitation and exemptions by the Government of Pakistan for border markets would support the Pakistani business community to further enhance trade with Iranian counterparts.

The Iranian Envoy said that lack of better connectivity between the private sectors of Iran and Pakistan was one of the factors for low trade volume and stressed the need of close cooperation between Iran-Pakistan chambers of commerce to develop strong business linkages between the private sectors of both countries. He said that by implementing the TIR Convention, Pakistan can promote its exports through Iran to Russia and other regional countries. He also highlighted the need for exchange of trade delegations for trade promotion and assured that Iranian Embassy was ready to help in introducing more Pakistani products in Iranian market.

Speaking at the occasion, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that Pak-Iran bilateral trade was much lower than the actual potential and both governments should cooperate with private sectors to take it to higher levels.

Islamabad: Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was briefed regarding inclusion of hydropower in renewable energy category on Tuesday.

The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmad at Parliament House on Tuesday.

At the outset of the meeting, Chairman NEPRA briefed committee members regarding inclusion of hydropower in renewable energy category.

Chairman NEPRA said that as per current definition of renewable energy, Pakistan stands at a meagre 3% and hydropower share is almost 30%. “Inclusion of hydropower in renewable energy category will have long term benefits for the country.

It can further strengthen the Government of Pakistan’s objective to attain a “Clean and Green Pakistan” and help in achieving objectives of the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP +) for sustainable development and environmental protection creating an enabling situation to qualify for (GSP++) category in future.

It can further help accessing the global green financing facilities, attracting the international interest and channelling it for sustainable growth of electricity sector of Pakistan. Inclusion of hydropower in renewable energy category will create opportunities to realize the carbon emissions credit and trading these in the international carbon markets/emissions trading schemes to gain financial returns/contributions” maintained Chairman NEPRA.

Chairman NEPRA further added that our target is to achieve 60% renewable energy share in future. Senator Saadia Abbasi asked how NEPRA will achieve this target of 60% renewable energy share.

Answering to which Chairman NEPRA pledged to present a comprehensive plan of action with timeline in next meeting of the committee. Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan asked “What are the contributing factors in price hike of electricity in the country?” Chairman NEPRA replied that devaluation of Pakistani rupee is one of the major factors in price hike.

Circular debt is due to government subsidies extended to people of Pakistan.

Chairman Committee lamented the situation faced by common people of Pakistan. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for poor people to pay off their electricity bills. Policies should be framed keeping in mind the situation of common people. A proper investigation should be held in this regard and we are ready to form a committee comprising both of lawmakers and NEPRA officials in order to look into tariff related issues”.

Chairman Committee further proposed that Tariff of energy and petroleum goods should be approved by Parliament of Pakistan.

Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan sought explanation regarding NEPRA’s policy on small hydropower projects and incentives given by government in order to encourage such projects in the country.

“NEPRA only deals with projects which contribute towards national grid. Small localized hydropower projects do not come under the ambit of NEPRA” answered Chairman Nepra.

Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan further added that Pakistan is one of the most suitable countries in terms of Solar Power with almost 300 days of sunlight what is NEPRA doing to encourage the use of solar power in the country.

We have introduced the system of net metering in the country by which consumers can not only generate their own electricity but also sell the surplus energy back to government, said Chairman NEPRA.

Senator Rukhsana Zuberi Sought details regarding process of tariff determination for export and import of electricity. Chairman NEPRA said that policy making not the responsibility of the regulator. Government and relevant Ministry should be asked about policy decisions.

Chairman OGRA briefed the committee members on mechanism of determining prices of petroleum and gas especially recent reduction of Rs 1.5/- and increase in levy to Rs. 5/- on price of petrol.

Chairman OGRA said LNG business is a relatively new phenomenon in Pakistan. LNG is imported as per internationally adopted formula, according to which 70% of the LNG is imported through government to government long term contracts. And 30% is purchased on the spot as per existing rates at the time of purchase by two government owned entities PSO and PLL.

Chairman OGRA maintained that both PSO and PLL have to purchase LNG as per PPRA rules which do not incorporate latest procurement rules adopted internationally. Our existing laws which do not support latest procurement rules should be amended.

Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan lamented the delay in order booking of LNG incurring huge loss to national exchequer. He further added that why were the LNG supplies not secured at start of the year and once cancelled after initiation.

Senator Rukhsana Zuberi Said that “Why did not we buy LNG in time. Who is responsible for this huge loss of public money? This is due to monopoly of PSO and PLL. We do not have storage capacity for LNG. When will we build storage capacity for LNG”

Chairman OGRA replied that we have issued 6 licenses to companies for gas marketing in Pakistan. We have also issued two new licenses for LNG terminals at Port Qasim. Chairman OGRA maintained that price of petrol in Pakistan is lowest in the region. Ex refinery price of Petroleum is 94 Rupees 38 paisas.

Senator Rukhsana Zuberi expressed her disappointment over delay in introduction of quality fuel and lack of storage capacity in Pakistan. “Oil refineries have been given 10% tax exemption amounting to billions of rupees from 2001 onwards for development of their infrastructure in order to introduce quality fuel and enhance storage capacity. Nothing has been done by these companies in all these years. Public money has been funnelled in private business”.

Chairman OGRA replied that we should continue to support these refineries. Some of the companies have upgraded their systems for production of green environment friendly EURO 5 fuel in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Fayyaz Ahmed Tarin has said the government will start giving targeted subsidies from this month to the weak segments of society on essential commodities including sugar, flour and pulses.

Addressing a news conference along with Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib and Special Assistant on Food Security Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, he said the targeted subsidy will be in the form of cash assistance, which will cover thirty five to forty percent population.

The Finance Minister said the government is also focusing on bolstering the agriculture productivity. In the medium to long term, commodity warehouses, cold storages and agri malls will be established with the aim to eliminate the role of middle man and ensure that the farmers get due price of their products. He said strategic reserves of major commodities are also being built in order to ensure smooth supplies in the market. The Finance Minister said that the prices of wheat will see decline in the coming days.

Shaukat Tarin said the government has tried its level best not to fully pass on to the masses the impact of international increase in the prices of commodities. He pointed out that sugar prices increased by forty eight percent in the world market but we only creased its price by eleven percent. Palm oil saw an increase of fifty percent but we increased the price by thirty three to thirty five percent. Similarly the prices of crude oil and wheat were not enhanced as per the international market.

The Finance Minister said the government is also giving attention to enhance the incomes of the people to enhance their purchasing power.

Shaukat Tarin said that Kamyab Pakistan Program will be launched this month in order to enable the weak segments of the society earn their livelihoods.

Shaukat Tarin said that the results our growth strategy are visible and the revenue collection is increasing. He said we are on the track to achieve five percent growth during the current fiscal year. This, he said, will also help reduce our debt to GDP ratio.

As regards the State Owned Enterprises, the Finance Minister said we have to turn around them. He said a board is being established in the privatization in order to run the State Owned Enterprises on professional lines. He said these enterprises will be privatized after turning them around.

Speaking on the occasion, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema said the prices of flour, sugar, Ghee and pulses would be reduced by December this year. He said the government is targeting on ensuring quality and affordable price of milk; and a program to this effect would be unfolded in two weeks.

The Special Assistant said we are also shifting from non-promising crops to promising crops to meet the food demand of the country.

He said there has been an increase in prices of energy, food and mettle from 34 percent to 129 percent in the world, which made an impact on the prices in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: As many as 78 people lost lives and 2580 tested positive due to corona virus in 24 hours in the country.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) latest data, 47419 tests were conducted in 24 hours out of which 2580 tested positive taking the tally of infected persons to 1, 210, 082. Positivity rate was recorded 5.44 percent.

As per province wise details, 33, 432 cases were detected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 32, 618 in Balochistan, 10, 168 in Gilgit-Baltistan, 103, 125 in Islamabad, 169, 040 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 415, 654 in Punjab and 446, 045 in Sindh.

78 patients died from the virus during the last 24 hours taking the death toll to 26, 865.

At least 7, 240 people have recovered

As many as 68, 227, 337 doses of COVID vaccines have been administered so far in the country.